User Reviews

Hip, witty, likable precursor to Sex and the City. The film has a Woody Allen feel, but with a 90s feminist slant. Set in New York City, the camera follows the romantic trials and tribulations of its two lead females (in two exquisite performances from Keener and Heche). The dialog is bristling with insight and vigor unlike many films of that era that Hollywood mass produced as so -called romantic comedies. Yet this film is much more than a romantic comedy. Inspired by Woody Allen's more intimate and small-scale New York films, it adds its own voice to that tradition. This is definitely on of the better indie comedies of the 1990s, and stands the test of time even after the demise of Sex and the City.

Catherine Keener (as Amelia) spends the opening scenes putting down everyone in her life. She doesn't like best friend Anne Heche (as Laura)'s engagement ring. She calls video store geek Kevin Corrigan (as Bill), who wants to date her, "The Ugly Guy". She repeatedly calls ex-boyfriend-turned-friend Liev Schreiber (as Andrew) an ass----, for enjoying telephone sex. Her cat has cancer. And, her kitchen sponge stinks.

Intriguing character study, from writer/director Nicole Holofcener. Ms. Keener's "Amelia" seems to have a lot going for her; she is funny and attractive, and, she manages to keep friendships while being excessively judgmental. Things may have started going wrong for her when roommate Heche moved in with boyfriend Todd Field (as Frank). Mr. Field becomes another supportive friend, however. Although Keener is cranky throughout, she eventually proves to be an interesting, supportive friend.

The performances are all terrific. Mr. Corrigan may be most memorable, as the horror movie geek Keener labels "The Ugly Guy"; watch for an outstanding scene as he overhears a message on Keener telephone answering machine. Some back-hair might have helped him look more ugly, though. Then, again, hairier Rafael Alvarez does seem prove excessive hair isn't so ugly. Wonderfully ironic to see Randall Batinkoff (as Peter) play a waiter so well, and an actor so poorly. "Walking and Talking" manages to be a story about meaningful friendship without being terribly meaningful.

****** Walking and Talking (1996) Nicole Holofcener ~ Catherine Keener, Anne Heche, Kevin Corrigan

Some relationships between childhood friends endure the passage of time, as it's the case with Laura and Amelia, who as the film opens are seen as young girls. After some years they have met again as adults and their friendship has a different kind of meaning to both, if anything it is stronger than before. Whereas Amelia has found love and is graduating for a professional career as a therapist, Laura, on the oder hand, has found a job in a newspaper, but her love life leaves a lot to be desired.

Nicole Holofcener, the director, takes us to meet these two women as they go through their lives in present day Manhattan. Having seen this film when it made its commercial debut, we decided to take another look after almost ten years of being released and we can report the film is still fresh and quirky as when we first saw it. The director, whose "Lovely and Amazing" was also a worthy successor, treats her subjects with a light touch and the result is a film that gives the viewer a good insight about human relations in a cinematic form.

The best thing going for the film is lovely Catherine Keener, who is an asset no matter what she is playing. Ms. Keener seems to be a natural for the movies. The camera loves this actress who has a style of her own and who, in comedies such as this, makes perfect sense as her directors clearly capitalize on her uncanny sense of how to play the quirky characters in which she has excelled.

Anne Heche, on the other hand, makes a perfect Amelia come true. Ms. Heche is a good actress that always brings something to the roles she plays. Amelia, the young woman in this film, is at a point in her life where she has to make decisions about her relationship with Frank, who clearly adores her, and her own career as a therapist.

The supporting roles are basically the men in the two friends' lives. There is Frank, who is living with Amelia. He wants her to commit and marry him, but she has doubts before she says yes. Todd Field makes a good impression as Frank. Bill, the video store clerk likes Laura, but feels betrayed when he hears a message Amelia has left on the answering machine where she calls him ugly; he takes offense and decides to drop Laura. Kevin Corrigan is perfect playing this man. Finally there is Andrew, an old flame of Laura's who has broken up with her some time ago, but has remained friends. Liev Schreiber is good in this part.

"Walking and Talking" shows a talented Nicole Holofcener at her best. The film shows us a director who knows a lot about the complicated balance of the relationship between two caring friends.

A lovely little movie, with fine performances, a real feel-good indie movie. Catherine Keener (so vastly different in "Being John Malkovich"!) is wonderful, playing the insecurities of her character to great effect (the scene where she stalks the video store clerk is fabulous, as is her reluctance to put her cat down). Anne Heche is - as always - on great form; and Liev S is very good too. A lovely little movie, often a little too low-key for its own good. It never demands too much from the viewer and as a result reaps all the awards. Recommended viewing. Enjoy!

"Walking and Talking" is a slice of life flick which focuses on two thirtyish female best friends (Heche & Keener). A dialogue-intensive plotless situational relationship light comedy, "W&T" offers good performances, a lively script, and a variety of situations with which thirtyish guys and gals will be able to identify. An enjoyable way to wile away 1.5 hours.

Amelia (Catherine Keener) is a very needy person. Therefore, losing her childhood friend Laura (Anne Heche) as a roommate has been tough. Laura has moved in with her boyfriend and is on the verge of becoming engaged. That hurts, as Amelia has not had good luck with men. She is forever phoning her best friend, nevertheless, for advice and for support in coping with life's problems, from a sick cat to a former boyfriend/pornography addict (Liev Schreiber). Laura, a counselor, does her best to be available for Amelia, but wedding plans and minor tifts with her intended leave her with less free time than ever. Will Amelia learn to just stand on her own two feet, for goodness sake? This is a quietly thoughtful film about friendship and its boundaries. Keener is wonderful as the friend who relies on others to help her through life's ups and downs. Even the most cherished friendships need room to breathe and Amelia has to learn this the hard way. Heche is likewise very fine as the beautiful lady who appears to have it all but may, in fact, have some flaws, too. Todd Field is great as Laura's fiancé and Schrieber gives a nice turn as a commitment phobic, sexually obsessive addict. All of the production necessities, from costumes to sets to direction, are quite nice. Then, too, the script is quirky, funny and original as well. No, this is not a thrill-a-minute adventure, so those who eschew slower paced, dialogue-driven films will want to skip over this one. Yet, if you adore romantic dramas brimming with life, humor, and important statements, here is the film you've been looking for. Walk to the nearest video outlet and peruse the shelves until you grasp this little gem in your hands.

I have seen Walking and Talking several times, and am continually impressed with Nicole Holofcener's writing and directing. These characters really act as if they are best friends. One great accomplishment of this film is that it is about everyday events which are transformed into having importance because we see the characters giving them importance, without it being heavy-handed. Another is the dialogue: these people are comfortable being cynical with each other, without being mean spirited. This is a small film with a big heart.

There's not an unusual amount of walking in this flick, but it has all the talking you'd care for. So if movies that are in the 'thirtysomething' mold aren't to your liking, don't stop here. (The star, Catherine Keener, even looks like she'd fit in perfectly on that TV show.) On the other hand, if you like nothing better than a film that revolves around characters and their relationships, I don't think you'll go wrong giving this one a try.

How you feel about the film will of course be determined by how much you care for the characters, and I found them likeable enough to give it a positive rating. Amelia (Keener) is the confused one here, who doesn't want any more than a platonic relationship with her longtime male friend, and can't figure out why she can't get a worthwhile relationship going with any other man. Her best friend from childhood is Laura (Anne Heche) who seems to have everything that either of them wants as far as a relationship goes. Laura is soon to be married, which doesn't help Amelia's frustration any.

The movie doesn't ever get overly serious about things and stays enjoyable throughout. Keener is fine in her role and Heche seems to do well in every film she's in. This is a strong first-time effort by the writer/director, Nicole Holocener. I think she made the film she set out to do. It will be interesting to see if in the future she has anything more or different to say.

this is what audiences need to see more of. Good characterization, realistic dialog (no slap-stick cheap tricks, farce etc.) and capable actors.

I have seen "Friends With Money" which was a disappointment compared to this and "Lovely and Amazing". This film succeeds because we care about the characters, Anne Heche as the therapist, trying to control her wedding, Catherine Keener as confused and disappointed single again friend. Andrew and Laura (Schreiber and Keener), Frank and Amelia,(Ann Heche and Todd Field) two couples just trying to make things work. They have to find humor in minor things. Kevin Corrigan adds humor as Keener's sometime date, who finds out he is referred to as the "ugly guy".

Liev Schreiber adds a good element to the film. Keener's former boyfriend, he is there for her, even as she pursues Corrigan who works at a video store:..."Jeez look at him...I thought I could relax for once"... Keener says as she wonders why he has rejected her.

This has been compared to "Sex and the City", but there really is no comparison. A one hour TV show vs. film; this film has resonance; we will remember and want to see these characters again, they are not cardboard cut-out characterizations. TV has to be more polarized, due to the medium and time limits, hence the characters are more superficial and obvious.(Could we picture Kim Catrall in this film, I don't think so). I am surprised Nicole Holfcener has not surmised this, and realized the casting mistake in "Friends with Money"; if someone has a too-TV persona, they do not necessarily translate to film. That was one of the problems with FWM.

Also the performances in this film were not preceded by the personalities. Heche is believable, amusing and sympathetic. Catherine Keener is quirky, interesting and multi-layered. Liev Schreiber is funny, a good friend and we want to see more of him. Please, Ms. Holofcener, for your next film use film actors, not people who had a high "TV Q" or were married to a film celebrity for a brief period. It makes a great deal of difference, and the finished product proves this to be so. 9/10

This is a pleasant slice-of-life comedy about two young women experiencing love and heartache. This was the first feature film for writer-director Holofcener, and she has made a career out of such small films about relationships, particularly among women, all starring Keener. The actress is so good at this sort of role that she doesn't even appear to be acting. Heche is equally good as Keener's best friend, engaged to be married to goofy Schreiber. It's not a great film by any means, but the characters are real and likable, making it easy to spend some time with them. Holofcener has a talent for making keen observations about human behavior.

I almost hesitate to call "Walking and Talking" a chick-flick, because that would seem to denigrate this wonderful little movie. But, if it is one, at least it is the best chick flick ever made. Everyone has a special best friend, and one can appreciate these women's friendship no matter one's sex, age, persuasion, etc. The best thing in the movie is the ease with which Keener and Heche really seem to be best friends. They have screen chemistry most love stories would be blessed to find. There isn't a moment when you don't feel these women are real-life best friends and not actresses. Pitched at a perfect low-key lope, and splendidly acted by all: everyone seems to have a great connection to their costars. Best moments: Catherine Keener and Liev Schreiber in a hammock, and Keener and Heche's hand-holding laughter in the final shot. Great little movie.

I do believe that Anne Heche is a severely underrated actor. She stands out in every movie that I've seen her in, including this one. She switches from sympathetic and lovable to borderline nuts very quickly, and then switches back again. No matter what one knows about her wacky private life, she really knows how to turn into a believable and sympathetic character on screen.

In fact, all the actors in this piece are quite good. Another standout is Kevin Corrigan, as the geeky clerk at a video store. The movie has good dialog, but the plot is sentimental, ending with a presumably happy wedding. It's essentially about the love between two female friends, and how it is affected when one of the friends becomes engaged. The one who is engaged (Anne Heche) becomes wrapped up in herself, and engages in behavior likely to end the engagement and the friendship. The friend (Catherine Keener) dates an inappropriate man (Kevin Corrigan) after breaking up with a man (Liev Schrieber) for an unidentifiable reason. The fiance, Todd Field, is stolid and lovable throughout, although a bit off-center, which is why Anne Heche has her doubts.

See it for the actors--they were good in 1996 and they're good now.

While an observation of New York neuroses hardly breaks new ground, the characters as drawn by writer/director Nicole Holofcener are interesting enough to keep us engrossed in this charming, sometimes moving comedy.

A New York drama critic faulted Catherine Keener in a stage performance for not acting, but for being just herself. Keener is perhaps not the most versatile performer, but she's always compelling on screen and even just "being herself" is more than enough.

Holofcener has a way with actors coaxing credible and funny performances from all. It's a very talky affair with not enough meat on it to make a lasting impression. But her talent is crystal clear. She's way above most other independent directors with an assured feel for dialog and formidable directing skills.

How can you go wrong with having Walking and Talking as your first date film? Especially if you're not trying to come across as a "Guy" that's not emotional. If you are, don't worry. The movie runs less than 2 hours and you can sit back and eat popcorn while your date is busy watching the mid life crisis of dating that the movie showcases. All kidding aside, this is a nice little movie. The film is pretty much a "talkie" in the sense that the movie consists of people talking and talking and talking, and sometime walking and talking. A film about relationships and dealing with past and present lovers by talking it over, Walking and Talking has a perfect cast of characters that keeps your interested in what's happening throughout the movie. The simple direction by the film maker only adds to the dialog of the movie, which makes up about 95% of the movie!

How new relationships and the inevitable changes that occur with the passing of years affects two lifelong friends is considered in `Walking and Talking,' directed by Nicole Holofcener. Amelia (Catherine Keener), has achieved a track record of disastrous relationships with the men in her life, and currently she is unattached and in therapy. Laura (Anne Heche), on the other hand, is about to become a practicing therapist, but more importantly, she has a successful, long standing relationship with Frank (Todd Field), a jewelry designer who has just, in fact, asked her to marry him. Laura is concerned about how Amelia will react to their engagement, especially in light of the fact that the only guy who seems to be interested in her is Bill (Kevin Corrigan), a video store clerk who Amelia simply refers to as `The ugly video store guy.' Confusing matters somewhat, as well, is the friendship Amelia insists on maintaining with Andrew (Liev Schreiber), an ex-boyfriend with whom she had an obsessive relationship. And so it is that Amelia and Laura find themselves at a crossroads; regarding not only the direction of their individual lives, but the future of their relationship with one another.

Working from her own screenplay, Holofcener shows some insight into human nature and the course one's life is often compelled to take. It's a fairly perceptive examination of emotional vulnerability, as expressed through the character of Amelia, as well as of the strength of resolution we find in Laura. It's a thoughtful presentation, focused through the interrelationship of the two women and the three men in their lives, which develops a profile that pretty much covers the entire emotional spectrum. And Holofcener does it realistically and effectively, avoiding stereotypes while making her characters believable, if not necessarily sympathetic.

Keener is the most engaging of the bunch, affecting a naturalness while painting a vivid portrait of an emotionally challenged, somewhat confused and directionless young woman perpetually mired in an emotional wasteland; all of which Keener conveys extremely well. And Heche does an excellent job with her portrayal of Laura, who is somewhat self-absorbed, and who has obviously developed on an emotional level quite different from Amelia. She comes across as rather cold at times, which keeps her at arm's length from the audience, but it allows the viewer to make an even stronger connection with Amelia, whose situation is one with which many will be able to identify.

Field makes a good impression here, making Frank more than the typical male caricature to which a part like this often succumbs, and Schreiber gives a good performance as well, as something of the masculine counterpart of Amelia, though a bit more on track with his life.

Kevin Corrigan makes Bill the one with whom you can most readily empathize, however, as he captures the emotional complexities of his character with an extremely subtle, understated performance. And it's through Bill that we gain valuable insight into the true nature of the other characters. It's a supporting, but pivotal role, sensitively and effectively rendered by Corrigan, who is a terrific character actor, and a definite asset to this particular film.

The supporting cast includes Randall Batinkoff (Peter), Joseph Siravo (Amelia's therapist) and Vinny Pastore (Laura's Devil-Seeing Patient). It covers rather familiar territory, but Holofcener does it quite well, and makes `Walking and Talking' an entertaining, if only moderately involving film. She has a nice touch, and though it may not be anything ground breaking, with the presence of Keener and Corrigan, especially, it certainly makes this endeavor worth a look. I rate this one 6/10.

I saw this movie years ago when it first came out on video, when I was in my mid-twenties (I immediately bought the VHS copy to own). I just watched it again at 35, and love it just as much now as I did then (I am ordering the DVD on Amazon). One of the best movies about relationships period, whether it be in set in the 90's, this decade or beyond. It is never cliché, never dated, and features a dream cast with chemistry to boot. It is funny, moving, and absolutely believable. The performances by Heche, Keener and Schreiber are top-notch, and it was good to see Randall Batinkoff in a small role as a struggling actor/waiter. A short and sweet gem of a movie, a definite must-see.

We first see Amelia and Laura as girls, lying on their bed, reading a cribbed copy of "Joy of Sex" and making fun of what they see like pre-teens do. For some reason, they're both wearing bathing suits.

We then see them again as adults, played by the great Catherine Keener and Anne Heche, respectively. They both have guys interested in them, both, perhaps coincidentally (or not) who work at establishments they frequent. The video store guy (Kevin Corrigan, another busy character actor) is after Amelia, but she refers to him simply as "the ugly guy". (He's not ugly, it's just that his glasses and choice of hairstyle don't do him any favours).

Amelia turns the video store guy down, until she finds out that Laura is now engaged to her boyfriend (played by actor and fantastic filmmaker, Todd Field). Then, she jumps at the chance, and all seems to be going pretty well until he plays a message on her machine of Laura referring to him as "the ugly guy".

Amelia seems frantic to get involved with someone, perhaps to get on her friend's level. She doesn't know that Laura accepted her boyfriend's proposal, but is already questioning if she wants to marry him. What's more, the service industry guy who is interested in Laura invited her to watch him in a play, and she went. There's not a whole lot of chemistry between the two of them, anyway, but then nor does there seem to be that much between her and her new fiancé. Or is she sabotaging her relationship with him on purpose?

The real romantic chemistry in the movie, ironically, is between Amelia and Andrew, her ex-boyfriend, played by another great actor in Liev Schreiber.

It is typical in a Holofcener movie that characters actually do resolve their issues and stay together. This is one of the reasons why I like her movies. They're typical indie comedy/drama fare in that they feel more realistic than Hollywood flicks, the acting is more naturalistic, the plots are more believable. The worlds feel lived in and the characters feel like they've done the living.

I keep comparing Holofcener's movies to Solondz's and Baumbach's. Unlike those two, Holofcener actually likes her characters. There's a warmth that radiates from the screen. (Solondz apparently hates his characters, and with Baumbach it's hard to tell).

Holofcener's movies are like cinematic comfort food, and that's why I enjoy them. "Walking and Talking" was an impressive debut.

This movie captured something I'd rarely seen on screen before - the power of friendship beteeen women when they are at their most beautiful and self-centered stage. The director, Nicole Holofcenter, caught the characters in that moment in life, looking for love or connection, negotiating the thing you want and the person in front of you. And almost missing the fact that the real relationships of consequence at that moment is with your friends. This film is so perfect. So honest. And then there Billy Bragg as the soundtrack. What more perfect expression of that moment?

I stumbled upon this on Showtime cable, sitting in a hotel room in Kingston, Jam, nursing a nasty little virus and seeking some cheering up. What a lovely surprise. As another reviewer says, beautifully written, well acted, unpretentious and just very simply appealing. I'm really too old for voyages of discovery and young love but the stunning soundtrack featuring the wonderfully eloquent Billy Bragg evoked so many lovely memories for me. Curious how a cockney poet's music can work with an American romance...but it did. A real gem to watch on your own, with a partner or a good friend and, if you don't have a virus, a good glass of red wine.

I have been watching W&T for 5 years now. Every chance I get. I know it by heart. I know that sounds silly or obsessive, but I feel like these people really exist. They are the people who live in your apartment building, they are the people you see renting movies, shopping. These could be your friends, lovers, bosses, neighbors. This movie is so real, yet there's not one boring scene or quality about it. I LOVE Keener and Corrigan. I want to see them in another movie together. This IS my all-time favorite movie. It has encouraged me to write as well. I would love to see Katherine Keener, Kevin Corrigan, Anne Heche, Liev schriber and also Parker Posey in one movie together. It would be my dream. It would be so great! If you love dialog driven movies, you'll love this one. Also pick-up 'Kicking & Screaming' and 'Kicked in the Head'. They all are endearing, sweet and funny. REAL, but Untimately idealistic You'll love it. I hope for more Nicole Holofcner movies.

An excellent film featuring a slightly manic and wonderful performance by Anne Heche, leading a stellar indie cast. Insight into relationships between friends and couples. Funny and heartwarming.

The best little movie that no one ever saw. Catherine Keener is one of the best actresses around, and she's particularly good at comic roles. The relationship betw. her and Heche in this movie is really touching and authentic. Few movies focus on women's friendships w/ one another, and even fewer achieve this level of realism and complexity. Kevin Corrigan is deadpan hilarious as Keener's ... I guess you could call him a love interest, but that's not quite it. This is a very funny and yet a very sweet movie. --Frink-3